Why Faces (and Facelessness) Matter

The Epidemic of Facelessness

At the heart of ethics and justice for 2,000 years (as in: facing your accuser), the human face has grown increasingly absent from our online experience. It’s a modern challenge – an epidemic of facelessness.

I recommend you read the entire piece here. Heavy off the top and occasionally throughout, it’s based on the dark behavior that facelessness produces – Marche uses the word “monstrosity” several times.

“The spirit of facelessness is coming to define the 21st (century). Facelessness is not a trend; it is a social phase we are entering that we have not yet figured out how to navigate.”

Marche draws a connection from online anonymity to hideous human behavior. He connects ethics and justice to human faces. He pokes fun at emojis. He even finds coincidence between French phenomenology and contemporary neuroscience (they agree on the concept of “other” preceding one of “self” and that a human face sets it in motion).

“The neurological research demonstrates that empathy, far from being an artificial construct of civilization, is integral to our biology. And when biological intersubjectivity disappears, when the face is removed from life, empathy and compassion can no longer be taken for granted.”

“The Flight Back to the Face”

Though Marche seeks only to introduce and outline the problem, rather than get into solutions, one bright opportunity comes to mind.

Get face to face. Make connection. Send video.

As exchange and communication come at a remove, the flight back to the face takes on new urgency.

Think about all the faceless messaging you’re making and sending. Then, before sending the next one, ask yourself: would this piece of communication benefit from a human touch, a human connection, a human face? Very often, your answer will be yes.

Certainly, a video doesn’t best serve every situation. But equally, faceless follow ups are often missed opportunities.

Steve Pacinelli on Faces

This is a 3 minute clip from a presentation Steve Pacinelli delivered at a real estate conference on building relationships through video.

Ed Powers on Faces

This is a 3 minute clip from a presentation Ed Powers delivered at the BombBomb office on building trusting relationships at scale.

Send Video Free

Click here to try BombBomb free for 2 weeks – no credit card info required! You’re just a couple minutes away from sending quick, simple videos to prospects, clients, colleagues, family members, or friends. They’ll be happy to see you.

Related

]]>http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/send-video-faces-human-face-to-face/feed/0Coming Soon: Gmail Tracking Upgrades For Opens, Clicks and Video Playshttp://www.bombbomb.com/blog/gmail-tracking-opens-clicks-video-plays/
http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/gmail-tracking-opens-clicks-video-plays/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 13:00:00 +0000http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/?p=7853A common sales problem is wondering whether or not the email you sent to a lead was received. Did they get it? Was it opened? Did they click the link to your website or watch your video? Gmail tracking will soon tell you as soon as it happens.

Gmail Tracking Helps You Follow Up With the Right Leads

Answering these questions is the first step in ranking your leads by order of importance. You could spend hours following up with people who aren’t interested in working with you. Or your could spend a smaller amount of time reaching out to your most interested leads.

Our team has already begun work on an upgrade to our gmail plugin that works within your Chrome browser. Our current version allows you to record on the spot or insert any video from your account into a new email.

Decrease Time to Sale

Video breaks down barriers and lowers anxiety, getting you to a successful sale much quicker. With the BombBomb Gmail plugin and Chrome extension you get the power of your BombBomb account without having to access the web application.

In the upcoming version you’ll have the ability to track every email you send, whether or not you include video. You’ll instantly know when your recipient has opened your email and how they’re engaging with it.

Coming Soon

Our team is hard at work, creating this new version for you. The gmail tracking tool will help you become better at your job and you need to trust its capabilities so we’re putting it through rigorous testing as we add features. We’ll keep you posted here on the blog as we get closer to releasing it to all of our customers.

Helpful Gmail Tracking Links

]]>http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/gmail-tracking-opens-clicks-video-plays/feed/2Send Video … Because You Ain’t Shakespearehttp://www.bombbomb.com/blog/send-video-speech-writing-communication-human/
http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/send-video-speech-writing-communication-human/#commentsFri, 20 Mar 2015 20:06:04 +0000http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/?p=7817Talking is much more natural to us than writing; you probably don’t love to write. Here’s a little history and some encouragement to send video in place of some written words.

Send Video … Speech Precedes Writing

These numbers are the subject of some debate, particularly the first number. They’re all within range of various estimates on the history of human communication.

The takeaway: humans have been speaking approximately 40x longer than we’ve been writing. It’s natural to us. It’s fundamentally human.

“Speech is so essential to our concept of intelligence that its possession is virtually equated with being human. Animals who talk are human, because what sets us apart from other animals is the ‘gift’ of speech” – Philip Lieberman, Eve Spoke, 1998

Children have a handle on spoken communication around age 4. Written communication? 5 to 7 years later.

In short: Speech precedes writing. Speaking is fundamentally human and quicker to master.

“Email is a party to which English teachers have not been invited.”- Dr. R. Craig Hogan, “a former university professor who heads an online school for business writing”

Here’s another take in there:

“The more electronic and global we get, the less important the spoken word has become, and in email clarity is critical. Considering how highly educated our people are, many can’t write clearly in their day-to-day work.”- Sean Phillips, “recruitment director at another Silicon Valley corporation, Applera, a supplier of equipment for life science research, where most employees have advanced degrees”

Let’s be honest … has our writing improved over the past decade? Maybe, but not likely.

On average, does your writing clearly convey your meaning? Beyond that, is it written in such a way that people might anyone want to read it or even seek it out? Maybe, but not likely. Especially not that 5 paragraph email you just sent.

You ain’t Shakespeare and neither am I.

And isn’t Shakespeare better taken from the stage than from the page? Does not its performance by humans add understanding and value as the words come off the page and get brought to life through the spoken word?

(William Shakespeare action figure from McPhee.com | Photo: BombBomb)

Send Video … Because You’re Better In Person

A return to the spoken word in some of our most common forms of communication – like email, text messaging, sociaL media – is available to you.

Like This Post? Then Check Out This One …

]]>http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/send-video-speech-writing-communication-human/feed/2Increase Lead Response – Pair Phone Calls with Simple Videoshttp://www.bombbomb.com/blog/lead-response-time-conversion-phone-calls-simple-videos-emails/
http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/lead-response-time-conversion-phone-calls-simple-videos-emails/#commentsTue, 17 Mar 2015 13:53:18 +0000http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/?p=7803People don’t answer the phone like they used to; you’re left with voicemail. Calls back or email replies? Not so common.

To increase lead response, give this a try.

The importance of that initial, direct response from a new lead, especially an online lead, can’t be overstated. It’s key to establishing the relationship and moving it forward.

Try one of these two, related techniques for the next couple weeks to experience the difference it can make in getting responses from people.

Send Videos with Phone Calls to Increase Lead Response

The Goal

The goal is to connect with someone directly. To assess needs. To establish that know, like, and trust. To get them to say “yes, I choose you.”

But it’s hard to get them to pick up the phone – to answer your call or to call you back. It’s hard to get people to respond.

We’re seeing many of our customers have success in using both channels – phone and video, back to back – to increase lead response.

Option 1: Lead with the Phone Call, Promise the Video

When you’re leaving voicemail, promise them you’ll follow up with a video.

Then, after you hang up, send a quick, personal video. It’ll bring your voicemail to life and increase the likelihood you get a call back.

Example: “Hey, this is Ethan Beute with BombBomb Real Estate. Thanks for registering on my website this morning. It’s often helpful to have a quick conversation by phone. Give me a call back at 866 209 4602. And check your inbox for a personal video from me. Thanks again. Talk soon!”

This helps draw attention to their inbox, where you’ll be face to face, sharing your personality, expertise, and enthusiasm.

It’s much harder to reject a real person than it is to delete a voicemail or delete an email.

Option 2: Lead with Video Email, Promise the Phone Call

When you open the conversation with a video email, you can promise the phone call. Let them know from which number you’ll be calling.

Example: “Hey, Ethan Beute with BombBomb Real Estate. Thanks for registering on my website this morning. I wanted to put a face with the name and let you know I’m here to help. I’ll be giving you a call from 866 209 4602 – keep and eye out for my number. Let’s have a quick conversation by phone. Thanks again. Talk soon!”

When your number comes through on their phone, it’ll be slightly more familiar. And, again, you’re now a real person, not just an email signature.

Try it Right Now – Free

]]>http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/email-design-video-mobile-challenge/feed/0Video for Marketing vs Video for Relationshipshttp://www.bombbomb.com/blog/video-for-marketing-relationship-videos-rtv/
http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/video-for-marketing-relationship-videos-rtv/#commentsMon, 23 Feb 2015 15:37:08 +0000http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/?p=7767Video for marketing is different than video for relationships. Even expert video marketers are missing an opportunity to build connection using the same medium with which they’re already comfortable. And those with no video experience can get up and running quickly.

Relationships Through Video (RTV) is about getting face to face with more people more often. It’s about being there in person when you can’t be there in person. It’s about people feeling like they know you before they even meet you.

RTV is powerful. And the best part: it’s simple. You need no video expertise to get started.

Steve Pacinelli explains …

Video for Marketing vs Video for Relationships

The goal here is simply to introduce a different approach to video and to encourage a shift in mindset to accommodate RTV.

MTV vs RTV

MTV, or Marketing Through Video, is what most people think about when they think about using video in their business. Most examples held up in presentations, blogs posts, and case studies fall into this giant bucket.

MTV is absolutely recommended. Video is a very powerful medium and brings so much of your digital marketing to life in a way that no other medium can. But it’s not the only one approach to video.

Critical to long term success through repeat and referral business, though, RTV is often a missed opportunity for so many video marketers. Where MTV tends to impress, RTV tends to connect.

We each have so many people in our lives directly and indirectly responsible for our success. The opportunity to use video to communicate with these people day in and day out is significant.

Both approaches are useful and necessary. Both have several roles to play. But they’re different roles.

Lead Generation vs Lead Nurturing

Another way to think about the difference is in the idea that MTV is largely (but not exclusively) about lead generation. You put it out in websites, blog posts, social media, landing pages, and other channels.

RTV is largely about lead follow up, nurturing, and conversion. It’s about repeat and referral business. It’s about partnerships, teamwork, and project management.

It’s about simple personal touches before and after meetings or phone calls. It’s popping in face to face just to check in or to say thank you.

Anonymous vs Known Viewers

Another point of differentiation is that in most cases, you don’t know your video viewers prior to producing for MTV. You can certainly collect data about them and they may ultimately be revealed to you at a point of conversion. But when they click play, you tend not to know them.

This means the MTV video production is based on an approximate, rather than known, circumstance. It’s about buyer persona, rather than a specific person or group of people.

With RTV, you’re most often sending to a known viewer or into a known circumstance. And when you send video in a BombBomb email, you know exactly when they play it, how many times they play it, and more. Easily. Immediately. By individual.

Even more important, though, is that the content of your RTV communication (it’s not a “production”) is based on what you know about the person or people for whom you’re making the video. Perhaps you just got off the phone or out of a meeting with him or her. Perhaps you did business with him or her a year ago.

This makes an RTV video more timely and shorter-lived. It’s relevant right now.

In Conclusion

If you’ve not yet started using video in your marketing or communication, a great place to start is RTV. It’s quick, simple, and powerful. You don’t need a script and you can use a device you already own to begin … a webcam, iPhone, iPad, or Android.

If you’re already using video, consider the opportunity that RTV presents. Along with a more substantial “video production,” fold in simpler, more targeted touches. It’ll change the way you connect and communicate with people.

The two marketing masters talk about a few different topics, but check out these 29 seconds …

Short Take on Short Form Video

Tom asks Gary where he’d be investing for real estate marketing for buyers and sellers in 2016. This exchange, shown above, starts at the 4:40 mark in the full conversation embedded below.

Gary’s response: “I think short form video. And I mean 13 second videos. Nuggets of information in your local area. I’m very high on short form video. There’s more distribution channels for it now.”

Distribution Channels for Short Form Video

Gary specifically mentions Instagram and Twitter in his answer. Through Facebook Messenger, you can record and send short form video, as well. Each supports short :15 videos.

This is considered “native” video – recorded, hosted, and distributed directly inside that specific network, app, or feed.

In some cases, the video may be broadcast friendly – appropriate for Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook feeds. This video would also be appropriate for an email to some or all of the people in your BombBomb lists.

In other cases, the video may be personal and one-to-one – appropriate for Instagram or Twitter direct or Facebook Messenger. This video would also be appropriate for an email to one or two individuals.

BombBomb as a Short Form Video Distribution Channel

BombBomb’s mission is to make it easy for people to use simple videos to build relationships through email, text, and social.

The BombBomb mobile app for iPhone/iPad and for Android are designed to make it easy to record and share video.

And there’s no limit on length. If you need 12 seconds, you’ve got them. If you need 32 seconds, you’ve got that, too. 2 minutes? Sure! Don’t worry about it – just say what you need or want to say to the person or people to whom you’d like to say it!

When you send by email through BombBomb, you’ll know exactly who’s opening emails, clicking links, playing videos, and more. We build that history up in each of your contacts’ relationship scores. The mobile app also provides push notifications and a live, running feed of every single interaction with your video emails.

So, you always know who’s most engaged in the ideas you’re sharing.

And, of course, your content can all be shared to nearly any tool, network, or app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android. So, you can email it, text it, or share it to social networks.

Full Conversation: Gary Vaynerchuk and Tom Ferry

What’s in #TomFerryShow Episode 3:

0:40 Gary’s personal and professional background

1:30 Don’t sacrifice medium and long term success for a few extra transactions right now.

3:50 Who cares which CRM you’re using? Just reach out to your people!

4:40 Where are you investing in real estate marketing for buyers and sellers in 2016?

Make and Share Short Form Video Anywhere – Free

]]>http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/short-form-video-gary-vaynerchuk-tom-ferry/feed/1Increase Sales with Video: Quick Chat with Steve Pacinellihttp://www.bombbomb.com/blog/increase-sales-with-video-steve-pacinelli/
http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/increase-sales-with-video-steve-pacinelli/#commentsTue, 17 Feb 2015 18:49:29 +0000http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/?p=7716“I didn’t really see the power of BombBomb until we started using it on my sales team.” Steve Pacinelli explains how he found video email, saw his team increase sales with video, and what’s ahead for him as a new BombBombteam member.

Long-time BombBomber Ethan Beute sat down with new VP of Strategic Marketing Steve Pacinelli to talk about how he discovered BombBomb four years ago, how he increased blog traffic with simple videos, how he watched sales increase through personal, one-to-one videos, and what’s ahead for him at BombBomb.

The Power of BombBomb: Increase Sales with Video

In the quick chat above, Steve explains how he found BombBomb. Looking for a better way to send a newsletter to more than 10,000 real estate professionals, he wasn’t necessarily searching for a video tool, but “the video turned out to be really awesome.”

Steve recorded simple videos using his built-in laptop webcam to add a personal touch to those sends, which primarily worked to increase blog traffic at TechSavvyAgent.com.

Later, he unlocked “the power of BombBomb” when he “started using it on my sales team.” Like many real estate agents using BombBomb, Steve’s team members at Move, Inc. had many internet leads who provided bad phone numbers, no phone numbers, and limited response or engagement.

“When they started using BombBomb and building that relationship and showing that they trustworthy – because seeing someone builds trust and smiling builds trust – our sales started going up fairly drastically … and that’s when it clicked.”

A simple video can go a long way toward building that know, like, and trust we all need to be successful, no matter our role. In fact, “I’ve actually seen them sell a $25,000 product to someone they’ve never talked with on the phone, which blew my mind.”

And what’s next for Steve, now a week into his new role at BombBomb? “Mainly, it’s going to be training and education.”

Watch your inbox and watch the blog for great ideas, examples, training, webinars, and other materials as Steve ramps up with us. He’ll be a valuable asset for the entire BombBomb community.

Increase Sales with Video – Try it Free

]]>http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/increase-sales-with-video-steve-pacinelli/feed/2Get Face to Face Instantly – BombBomb Video for Zillow Leadshttp://www.bombbomb.com/blog/zillow-leads-bombbomb-video-face-to-face/
http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/zillow-leads-bombbomb-video-face-to-face/#commentsThu, 05 Feb 2015 23:35:50 +0000http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/?p=7687“Anytime we can communicate on a more personal level through video, the better the response.” Chris Speicher shared this with us, along with the video email with which his team follows up with Zillow leads.

Chris, who runs the Speicher Group with his wife Peggy Lyn Speicher, added that “using video in our business differentiates our company – it shows that we’re on the cutting edge of technology and also puts our leads and clients at ease – they can now put a face with a name with a voice.”

Why Video for Zillow Lead Conversion

In the words above, Chris speaks to the primary challenges agents have with lead conversion. It’s hard to:

When you do this, a simple video can go out to every person who inquires on your profile or listing. You’re leading with your face, voice, personality, and expertise. You’re sending a consistent message every time. You’re killing it with speed to lead.

“The Zillow/BombBomb integration allows us to provide an immediate and personalized response to internet leads which allows us to set expectations about next steps and introduce the concept of a team. In a world of ‘email overload,’ we see video as the best way to effectively convey our message to our clients.”

Example: Automatic Video Email for Zillow Leads

Hi, I’m (your name).
Thank you for connecting with me (online, through my website, on Zillow, etc).
I or one of my team members will be giving you a call shortly.
(Statement about specialization or expertise).
Thanks again.

The Speicher Group used a video intro and outro, plus some title graphics – it’s got some production to it. These are nice touches, but they’re optional and certainly not required. Notice how casual yet professional Peggy Lyn is in the bonus video email below.

For another script and another example, check out the Related Link toward the close of this post.

Bonus: Request for Zillow Reviews from Past Clients

Click the email to play the video.

Here, Peggy Lyn asks “a quick favor” with a simple webcam video. It’s a nice, personal ask with a clear call to action. With a 3 to 5 minute effort, she added to her 60+ reviews on Zillow.

One nice thing about making this request with a video email is that the activation – the link click – is right there. It’s easy to do and takes the client to the exact place they need to be. Think about how much effective this is than asking over the phone or in person. Your client has to remember to do it, remember which site to use, try to find you, etc.

Check out the Related Link below for more examples of how to generate more online reviews with simple videos.

Thank You

A big BombBomb thank you to Chris and Peggy Lyn Speicher for making BombBomb part of how they convert their leads, grow their business, and maintain client relationships. And thanks, too, for allowing us to share these examples!

Try It Yourself

]]>http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/zillow-leads-bombbomb-video-face-to-face/feed/0Steve Pacinelli Joins BombBomb as VP of Strategic Marketinghttp://www.bombbomb.com/blog/stephen-pacinelli-move-real-estate-technology/
http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/stephen-pacinelli-move-real-estate-technology/#commentsMon, 02 Feb 2015 22:59:27 +0000http://www.bombbomb.com/blog/?p=7664Having built a career squarely at the intersection of technology and real estate, Steve Pacinelli brings significant value to the role of VP of Strategic Marketing, and will serve on the Leadership Board with BombBomb, a software company that helps people build relationships through video (RTV).

He joins the team February 7, 2015 and will oversee education and outside sales initiatives.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that Steve has agreed to join our team. He has great relationships in the real estate industry, a personal passion for tech tools, top shelf teaching skills, and an eagerness to learn and grow,” said Conor McCluskey, BombBomb co-founder and CEO. “More importantly, he’s an awesome person.”

Steve Pacinelli spent 14 years with Move, Inc. starting his career in sales with Top Producer. He quickly worked his way up to National Sales Manager, and during this time co-founded Tech Savvy Agent, which won “Inman‘s Most Innovative Blog” award. He finished his tenure at Move as their National Speaker, and VP of Industry Events.

He has presented to thousands of audiences all over the country at events like the NAR Annual Conference & Expo, RE/MAX R4, Inman Connect, Keller Williams Family Reunion, and for countless state Boards and Associations, to name a few. He also was listed on Swanepoel’s “Top 20 Most Influential in Real Estate Social Media” report in 2014.

“I can’t wait to get started. The opportunity to teach people both in and out of real estate how to connect in more meaningful ways through simple videos is huge,” said Pacinelli. “I’m so grateful for everything and, more importantly, everyone at Move, Inc. I learned so much with them and believe they have the right team in place to do some incredible things.”

With BombBomb, Pacinelli will continue to serve as a speaker and trainer. He’ll build and oversee and the outside sales and marketing team, as well as an internal team focused on training and education. In addition to his deep insights into real estate professionals and consumers, he brings photography, video, and tech skills. He wrote hundreds of technology reviews for Tech Savvy Agent.

Video Message from Steve

Video Steve Sent to Accept the BombBomb Offer

Founded in 2006 and based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, BombBomb provides software that makes it easy for people to use simple videos to build relationships through email, text messaging, and social media. The leader in Relationships Through Video, BombBomb serves customers of all kinds in all 50 United States and 36 countries around the world.